on point

Probably from the French "en pointe" meaning to be perfect, to satisfy. As a ballet term, it means to be on the tip of the toes, and is the higher degree of skill, the goal of the "perfect" ballerina. As a military term, we see it used as "on point" to refer to basically the same high standards, to be ready for action, able to take the lead, etc. So either spelling refers to achieving a high goal, striving for perfection in whatever the endeavor, whatever the subject matter.

on point

1. Excellent, bold, right on, accurate, appropriate.
   • 2019 June 8, Kitty Empire, “Madonna: Madame X review – a splendidly bizarre return to form”, in The Guardian‎:

     The last time Madonna was indisputably on point, she had hooked up with French producer Mirwais for Music (2000) and the sensuous possibilities of club culture.

2. (chiefly US, law, philosophy) Having a direct application to the case or topic under consideration; apposite, relevant. [from 20th c.]
   • 1937, Herdman Motor Co. v. State Bd. of Tax Appeals, 119 N.J.L. 164, 166

     We have no decisions in our state directly on point. With us the problem is one of first impression. None of the cases cited is on point.

   • 1984, Eike-Henner W. Kluge, "Review of Frege and the Philosophy of Mathematics by Michael D. Resnik and Gottlob Frege by Hans D. Sluga," Noûs, vol. 18, no. 2, p. 342:

     His historical discussions always appear on point, well researched, and indicate a great deal of care.

   • 1994, John Kerr, A Most Dangerous Method: The Story of Jung, Freud, and Sabina Spielrein, →ISBN, Google preview:

     Eitingon raised Jung's idea of substituting a new complex; Freud did not answer on point, but talked at length about transference.

   • 2004 Oct. 13, Dick Meyer, "Opinion: Bush Did Well, But Kerry Won," CBS News (retrieved 22 June 2012):

     The second question of the night was about the shortage of flu vaccine. Bush gave a fine answer, on point.

3. (ballet) On the tips of the toes; en pointe. [from 20th c.]
4. (chiefly military) Having taken point; responsible for leading an operation; more generally, deployed and alert. [from 20th c.]
   • 2003, Aaron Traylor, The DJ Chronicles: A Life Remixed, Port Hole Publications, →ISBN, chapter 14, 71:

     Halo interrupted, “We are all dialed in. Music begins in five minutes. Security is on point. Light show is programmed. Do this for me: roll up the road and grab us some smokes at the convenience store across the street. Here's some cash.”

• en pointe